Nominees are pictured and listed in alphabetical order. Submitted episode titles are in parentheses. Beware of minor spoilers for listed episodes.
Elizabeth Banks as Avery Jessup, 30 Rock (Double-Edged Sword)
Banks earned her first Emmy nomination for her recurring role as Jack’s baby mama. In her submitted episode, Banks gives birth to her child, and is devastated by the fact that it happens in Canada. Banks worked hard throughout the season to deliver a funny performance, and if she can beat out a fearsome team of veterans, she might just win since voters do love her show.
Kristin Chenoweth as April Rhodes, Glee (Rumours)
Chenoweth, who won an Emmy in 2009 for her supporting role on “Pushing Daisies,” was nominated for the same guest spot in this category last year. In her return appearance, she’s energetic and gets to sing, but there isn’t much reason for her to be there. I think that if she was going to win, it would have happened last year, and while it’s within the realm of possibility this time, it’s not likely.
Tina Fey as Herself, Saturday Night Live (Host: Tina Fey)
This is Fey’s third consecutive nomination for this particular guest spot, and she’s also nominated for the fifth time for “30 Rock.” She won on her first try for her SNL gig, and at this point, she’s barely even trying anymore. She’s pregnant in her submitted episode, which might help, but compared to the novelty of her Palin impression back in 2009, this just doesn’t cut it.
Dot-Marie Jones as Coach Shannon Beiste, Glee (Never Been Kissed)
Jones earns her first awards nomination for her portrayal of the female football coach who, in her submitted episode, finds out students have been picturing her when they want to “cool off” when things get too intense with a romantic partner. It’s certainly a sympathetic performance, but I’m not sure how demanding it really is. She’s the least showy of the three “Glee” ladies in this category, so I don’t think she’ll be able to win.
Cloris Leachman as Maw Maw, Raising Hope (Don’t Vote for This Episode)
This is Leachman’s twenty-second Emmy nomination. She was nominated in this category six years in a row for “Malcolm in the Middle” and won twice. Leachman’s submitted episode chronicles her subtle descent into madness through flashbacks, and it’s just the kind of episode that voters might like. She’s definitely a strong threat, and her Emmy record is extremely formidable.
Gwyneth Paltrow as Holly Holliday, Glee (The Substitute)
Paltrow earns her first Emmy nod for her guest spot as the sunny substitute at McKinley High School. It’s hard to deny that, regardless of the validity of her plotline, she energizes everyone the moment she first appears on screen. This episode is her first, so her presence hasn’t yet become tiresome. I think that she may well be the frontrunner, a good way to honor a show that probably won’t win any other major awards this year.
Who should win (based on entire season): Paltrow
Who should win (based on individual episodes): Paltrow or Banks
Who will win: It could well be Leachman, but I’ll hedge my bets with Paltrow.
Next up: Best Directing for a Drama Series
2 comments:
And Gwyneth it is! Glee also won Casting, which I hope does not mean a win in Comedy Series (not this year, please!!!)
I don't think that's going to happen. Guest actress and casting won't mean much in the grand scheme of things.
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